Whitecap Kekuta Manneh gets his U.S. citizenship

Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Kekuta Manneh has received U.S. citizenship, moving closer to making his USMNT debut.

It’s all falling into place for Kekuta Manneh to make his first U.S. men’s national team appearance.

The 22-year-old Gambian-born forward has spent his time with the Vancouver Whitecaps commuting from Point Roberts, Washington, to meet the residency requirements for U.S. citizenship. Manneh’s patience in dealing with the Massey Tunnel traffic on a daily basis for four years is finally paying off.

Last month, Bruce Arena showed interest in bringing Manneh into the fold. Subsequently, Arena included the forward in his squad for the annual January training camp. This week, Manneh obtained his U.S. citizenship, according to U.S. Soccer.

More from MLS Multiplex

• Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
• Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
• USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
• De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
• Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States

Manneh was selected in the first round of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. He scored 22 goals in 98 MLS appearances since 2013. He recorded five goals and two assists for the Whitecaps this season. In July Manneh broke his foot, and Vancouver struggled to score goals as they crashed out of playoff contention.

Manneh will not be able to start playing immediately for the USMNT. He still needs to receive a waiver from FIFA as he was previously called up for Gambia’s U-20 team. However, he hopes to participate in the next round of World Cup qualifying matches. The U.S. play Honduras on March 24th in a game they must win.

Arena was complimentary when asked about Manneh:

"“Good young player. He’s returning from an injury so I don’t think we’re going to expect too much from him early. Hopefully he can get through the next week healthy and start showing what he’s capable of doing.”"

A Versatile Forward

Manneh typically plays on the left wing in Vancouver’s favored 4-2-3-1 formation. The Whitecaps have also deployed him as a second striker in a 4-4-2 formation. His biggest strengths are his explosive speed and willingness to run at defenders. Nor is he afraid to take shots at goal. MLS named him #5 on their 2016 ’24 Under 24′ list.

If Manneh can sort out his ankle issues, he should end up being a good capture for the U.S. Alongside Gyasi Zardes and Jordan Morris, the future looks bright for the USMNT’s front line.

Related Story: Vancouver Whitecaps - 2016 Season in Review

What do you think Kekuta Manneh can bring to the international stage? Give us your comments below.

Follow us for more MLS new and rumors at MLSMultiplex.com and @mlsmultiplex